Carve My Pumpkin (The Night Realm: Halloween Marked #3)

Chapter 8

EIGHT

COLETTE

“That’s actually brilliant, Chip.” I sat across from Chip and Pickles, the princess siren sisters. They were trying to make travel easier for their people, and I felt proud to have a hand in it. It was the kind of work I should’ve been doing as Mateo’s assistant, not searching for a wayward soulmate.

Chip was amazing. She had a whole PowerPoint presentation put together and ready for me to look at. She also had a comprehensive list of things she thought the sirens might need while traveling. Her lips tilted up in a smile, and she tossed her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Thank you. And thank you for taking the time to meet with us. I think Diego was kind of struggling with me and my lack of techno know-how.”

“It’s been so great hanging out.” Pickles rested her elbow on the table and her dark curls fell around her face. They both looked so similar with their dark hair and delicate features. I could see why sailors said they’d go to their death over a siren. They were both equally breathtaking. Chip with her dark bottomless eyes that seemed to draw you in and Pickles with her lighter gray eyes that looked like storm clouds rolling over the water.

“It really has.” I didn’t make friends easily, or really feel like I fit in anywhere, but I felt like these two could be fast friends of mine. I was so proud of myself. In one weekend I’d made four friends, four women I felt I actually connected with and might’ve had something in common with. It made my heart happy and hopeful. “And I’ll be sure to get all of these plans over to Prescott Tech, so we’ll be ready to launch when you all are.”

They both smiled so wide it was almost gratifying enough doing this kind of work to put up with Mateo’s ridiculous soulmate hunt. Chip rose to her feet and strolled around my house. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. We don’t have technology underwater like this.”

Note to self: mention underwater tech to Lexington.

We were in the little office at the front of my house. Most days I would sit here and work while looking out the window on to the front yard. Night had just fallen, and pale moonlight shined through the big window onto the table. While the rest of my home was all high-tech, this was my personal library with all my most treasured stories. Sure, I had an e-reader, but there were stories that were near and dear to my heart that I needed the physical copies of. It was like keeping old friends close to me.

There was a thunk against my window. I hurried over and there was sticky white stuff expanding over it. “Oh nooooo. It’s Mischief Monday.”

I pressed my hand to my head. “I forgot.”

“That looks sticky.” Pickles wrinkled her nose. “Like the kind of sticky that doesn’t come off.”

“It looks fun.” Chip chuckled and hurried to the window to look out.

“You would say that.” Pickles sighed. “After all the stuff you’ve been doing lately.”

“All what stuff?” Sometimes I felt like I was missing out on things on the Island by keeping mostly to myself, except for my book club.Even when I tried to keep up with my friends at work I always seemed to be just barely out of the loop.

Chip put her hands on her hips. “Listen, I can’t help it if he got what he deserves. Things just have a way of working out where I win.”

Pickles shook her head. “You are the queen of retaliation.”

“All I’m saying is a girl has got to have boundaries, and if they’re crossed,” she shrugged, “then I reserve the right to protect them.”

I chuckled. “I pity the fool who comes up against you.”

More of those marshmallow things smacked into the window. Her eyes widened, then narrowed. I stared at them. “Who’s that?”

Chip gave me a sly smile. “That fool.”

Chip and Pickles hurried toward my front door. I followed close behind. The door flew open, and Chip marched out. She stopped on my little front porch and looked down at the ground. One of those marshmallow-guns was sitting there.

Without hesitation, Chip dropped down and grabbed it. She lowered her voice to a whisper, “ I know he’s out there .”

“ Who is she talking about ?” I didn’t know why I was whispering too, but it seemed to be what we were doing now.

“ Monroe Whitaker ,” Pickles whispered back.

My eyebrows shot up. “I work with him all the time. He’s so nice.”

“Tell her that.” Pickles pointed toward Chip.

A wide smile spread across Chip’s face. “Say hello to my big friend!”

She pulled the trigger, and small marshmallows flew out as it made a little popping sound. Monroe darted across my lawn trying to dodge her shots. Little pellets smacked into his chest and expanded into a slimy mess that ran all over him. A wide grin spread across his face.

She blew across the barrel of the gun. “I know, right?”

“My turn.” He pulled the trigger.

Little marshmallows smacked across the front of my house and started to hit next to us. Pickles and I squeaked at the same time and ran back inside. I hesitated inside the door waiting for Chip to run inside behind Pickles. But she didn’t. Pickles motioned for me to close it, and I slammed it shut.

Chip cackled. “You guys are weak!”

Pickles and I hurried back to the window to watch what was about to happen. Monroe dove behind my car and I groaned. “Oh, not my car.”

“I’m so sorry.” Pickles cringed. “They’ve kind of been battling it out.”

“Battling what out?” I couldn’t take my eyes off the two of them as they shot marshmallows at each other.

She sighed and shrugged. “It’s kind of hard to say. I think they hate each other but at the same time they don’t.”

“That’s not confusing at all.” I flinched as they shot more marshmallows at each other. Monroe couldn’t stop smiling and Chip genuinely looked like she was having the time of her life. “I think they like each other.”

Chip tiptoed her way toward where Monroe hid behind my car. She jumped out and pointed her marshmallow gun down at him. He lifted his hands in surrender.

Pickles chuckled. “That’ll please Chip.”

They were laughing and smiling at each other, and I saw the tension between them in the way they looked at each other. Their gazes kept locking and lingering longer than two platonic people would look. There was clearly something between those two and I wanted to know the details. A blast of water came from out of nowhere and knocked Chip back away from Monroe. She fell to the ground and skidded back. Pickles and I flinched at the same time. I waited for Chip to shift into her siren tail but it didn’t happen.

I must’ve made a face because Pickles sighed and nodded. “Peggy gave us these necklaces today to prevent us from shifting when we got wet—” she gasped then charged for the door.

I raced behind her.She threw the door open, and when I looked across the street, there was a blonde standing beside the fire hydrant with her wand in hand. She sneered at Chip, and there wasn’t an ounce of fun behind that smile. It was a mean-girl smile, the kind of smile they did when they hurt someone and got their way. I instantly didn’t like her. I had no idea what her name was, but I knew if I ever ran into her on the Island, we would not be friends.

Chip threw her hair out of her face and pushed to her feet. She aimed a hot, pointed glare right at Monroe. “Better luck next time, jerk.”

I turned toward Pickles but gestured to the blonde chick. “Who is that?”

“Monroe’s fiancé, Kristie.” She groaned and shook her head.

“Ew, why? Why would anyone be engaged to someone so . . . mean? That was cruel.”

“I have no idea.” Pickles rolled her eyes. “But I’d really hate it if he was in on that.”

“No.” I shook my head. I knew Monroe. He wasn’t the type to go that far. “I don’t think he would. I know him.”

She lowered her voice. “I kind of don’t think he would either. But these days it’s hard to say.”

Chip turned toward the house and marched in our direction, and I was ready to get her all the towels she would need. Monroe called out after her. “Chip, I . . . that wasn’t?—”

She whirled around and snapped at him, “And to think for a minute I actually thought you might not be the asshole I assumed you were. Hope you get a good laugh later about how you tricked me tonight and lured me into your trap.”

She marched away, not giving him the chance to respond. I hurried out to meet her. “I’ll get you some towels.”

She shook her head and those sopping wet strands of hair smacked across her face. “Nah, don’t worry about it. I’m used to being soaked.”

“Let’s just go home.” Pickles wrapped her arm around her sister, not caring if her own dress got soaked. “Colette has to get to the coffin race anyway.”

“You could come with me. It’s a lot of fun,” I said in a chipper voice. I hated the idea their night out was ruined by a mean girl trying to embarrass her.

Chip let out a frustrated sigh and shook her head. “Thank you, but this was proof we have no business being out on Mischief Monday. People see two sirens on legs and think they have an easy target.”

I did not like the sound of that. “Do you need a ride home? To the water? I don’t mind?—”

“No, Reese and Holden are on the next street over at one of his friends’ houses.” Pickles gave me what she probably hoped was a reassuring smile but it failed. “They said whenever we were ready to go to just walk over. It’ll just take us a second.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” I glanced out my window and the lawn seemed empty. “If you get into any trouble just call me and I’ll come, ‘kay?”

“Thanks, Colette. You’re the best.” Chip gave me a quick hug then walked to the door. She paused to give me a sad wave. “Bye Colette. We’ll talk later.”

Pickles hugged me. “Have fun tonight. We’ll hang out soon.”

“Absolutely.” My heart hurt for her. For them. For how people could be so cruel. “Get home safe!”

I followed them out the front door and watched them dash into the dark cover of the trees to my left. When I turned back, I spotted Monroe and Kristie yelling at each other over the fire hydrant. I knew he was furious from the way he gestured and the flush in his cheeks, and she was matching his energy. I wanted to hear what they were saying, but I also wanted to give them privacy. I hurried into my house through the small living room and straight back to the kitchen. I grabbed a bottle of Everything Cleaner Potion I got from Peggy Bow’s shop and walked back out front. By the time I got there, everyone was gone, and I let go a sigh of relief. My little cottage was covered in marshmallows, but it didn’t really bother me.

The second I sprayed them with Peggy’s magical cleaner, they dissipated instantly. I checked my Prescott smart watch, and even though the marshmallow fight took some unexpected time, I wasn’t going to miss the coffin race tonight. It was one of the many spooky season events I looked forward to every year. I took my time just walking around the outside of my home and spraying each white blob.

“Wow, what happened here?” Mateo’s deep, rumbly voice came from right behind me.

I jumped and spun around. I pressed my hand over my hammering heart. “Mr. Vauntero, what are you doing here?”

“You said you had a strategy for my little problem. I’m ready to hear it now.” He placed his hands on his hips, and I wanted to smack the smirk off his face. He was too handsome, too charming, and too spoiled for his own good. Mateo Vauntero was striking in the most annoying ways. His dark pants were tailored to a perfect fit with a black turtleneck that made his sapphire eyes almost glow. A camel-colored wool pea coat fell from his shoulders down to his knees. Everything about Mateo was impeccably agitating, from his inky black hair down to his polished shoes.

“You want to hear it right now?” I made a show of looking around at my yard and the spray bottle in my hand.

He raised his eyebrows at me. “Well, you are my assistant . . . for now.”

It’s illegal to kill people. Getting deported is not worth it. He isn’t worth it. I always kept a tight control of my emotions when in professional situations, and this would be no different. I remembered what Chip and Constantine said about boundaries. I wanted this job but not at the expense of my sanity. “I had a whole strategy ready to go, and I waited around for you all day.”

He shrugged. “I was busy.”

And now I am . “Then perhaps next time you could convey that to me, and we can reschedule. I’m happy to reschedule now for a more appropriate time, Mr. Vauntero .”

Like not at my home on a Monday night when I’m about to leave.

He just stared, completely unfazed by my words. He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at me. “Now feels like a good time.”

I glanced down at my watch. As much as I wanted to stay and talk shop, I had someplace to be and people relying on me. I turned away from him and walked into my house. He was hot on my heels following me in. I glanced at him over my shoulder. “You do realize this is my home.”

“I do.” He stepped inside and glanced around. “Whoa, so you are a tech geek.”

“Excuse me.” I was, but it was none of his business.

He motioned to the wall in my living room. “Full wall TV, three different gaming systems, and correct me if I’m wrong, but do you have invisible speakers in the walls?”

“How did you . . . Never mind, I don’t care.” I grabbed my short blue tutu off the little table next to my door. “I don’t have time to go through things right now. I have an appointment, and I keep my schedule.”

He crossed his arms over his chest and glared down at me. When he stood there like that, he seemed to take up all the space in my tiny cottage. My living room and kitchen were right next to each other. The bedroom was right off the living room and there was a single small office. Even the two small armchairs I had in my living room looked small compared to him. “Meaning I don’t?”

“That’s not what I said, Mr. Vauntero.” I brushed past him and headed right out the door toward my car.

He was right behind me, closing the door in his wake. When I got to the driver’s side, he stood on the passenger side waiting. “No, it’s not what you said. It’s what was implied.”

I looked at him over the roof of my car. “Mr. Vauntero, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Coming with you, obviously.” He tugged on the locked door to emphasize his words. “You said you’re running late, Ms. Rothchild. I hate to keep you from your important previous engagement.”

I unlocked the door and climbed in. Mateo dropped down into the passenger seat next to me and closed the door. I gave him a sideways glance. “I don’t run late.”

He pressed his lips into a hard line but said nothing as I pulled out of the driveway and headed down the street. I had nothing to say to him either. The nerve of him showing up at my home and then just inviting himself tonight. My grip tightened on the steering wheel and my knuckles turned white. Yet I said nothing.

Mateo gave a humorless chuckle. “You are annoyed.”

“You are observant,” I said in a low, even voice that held not an ounce of the annoyance I felt.

“My time is valuable, Ms. Rothchild.” He waved a dismissive hand as we drove down main street. His eyes drifted over the decorations and the people walking up and down the street going from the shops toward the fall festival going on between The Pemberley Hotel and Vauntero Castle.

“And yet you think my time is expendable?” I turned off Main Street and drove up a small hill.

“You’re my assistant. Your time is my time.” He said it so simply, like it didn’t matter what I had planned.

I pulled over to the side and threw my car in park. I turned to face him and gave him my best customer service voice. “I’m sorry I can’t come to the phone right now. Please call back during regular business hours.”

Before he could answer, I turned away and opened the door. I climbed out and closed the door behind me. I heard my passenger door lightly click shut and he was around the car in a second. Damn vampire speed . I didn’t look at him as I pulled my blue tutu over my black leggings and tucked my blue T-shirt into it. I began walking up the hill a bit farther until I got to the top.

Supernaturals of all species gathered around with their teams. When mine came into view, I smiled at them and waved. I knew he was following me, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. The other teams were dressed up in themed costumes. Four members of the Graham family were all dressed as the Ghostbusters, with little Daphne dressed as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Their coffin was decorated like the Ghostbusters mobile.

Each team consisted of four people who would push the coffin when the race started and one who would drive it. Every coffin was made differently, much like a boxcar derby. I spotted Holden and Reese dressed as Mario and Luigi. Her sister Mango had a mushroom hat on her head and sat in their coffin, which was made to look like a little race car. Her other sister Reese wore a pink puffy dress to look like Princess Peach from the Mario Kart game. They pushed their coffin forward toward the starting line.

I smiled at their costumes. My group decided on characters from Cinderella. I was the fairy godmother in my light blue tutu. My friend Sylvie was the evil stepmother in her dark black crewneck sweatshirt and purple tutu. She was waiting with our little coffin shaped like a white pumpkin for the race to start. Next to her was Gertie who was an evil stepsister in a knitted pink sweater and matching tutu. Susan was the other evil stepsister in her knitted green sweater and green tutu. We were just waiting for our Cinderella.

Gertie stuck her foot out just as Jimbo tried to run by her. He tripped over her foot and fell to the ground. His dark trench coat billowed out around him, and a long spike strip rolled out from his pocket. His face twisted in shock as he jumped up to point his finger at Gertie. His cheeks turned pink and even the tip of his bulbous nose turned red. When he stood fully, he had on a bathing suit and a kid-sized blow-up inner tube wrapped around his waist.

Sal ran to his side with a helmet strapped on his head. On top of his helmet was a police light that flashed blue and red. He wore an old school motorcycle-cop jacket, brown pants, and black knee-high boots. He pulled a pair of handcuffs from his belt and waved them at Sylvie. She held her hands out toward him and wagged her eyebrows, almost daring him to do it. He jumped back and pulled Jimbo with him.

“I said, are you listening to me, Ms. Rothchild?” Mateo stepped in front of me, blocking my view of what was happening.

“I am listening to you.” I glanced past him to where Jimbo was trying to pull his spike strip back up but Sylvie had her foot planted on it. She pulled her wand from her pocket and flicked it. The spike strip jumped off the ground, then started to slither away like a snake with Jimbo chasing after it.

“You don’t seem to be.” He crossed his arms over his chest “If this job is so important to you, then dressing up and pushing a coffin down a hill does not take priority.”

“As opposed to me waiting around the office all day to have a moment of your time that you scheduled with me?”

Just then our Cinderella showed up. I had to fight to stifle a smile. Constantine stood right next to the coffin in a powder blue suit, with a white button-down shirt, and black bowtie. When his eyes locked on his brother’s back, he turned and started whispering to the others.

“It is my time, and I can do with it what I want,” he snapped.

I looked up at him. “You know that’s how I feel about my nights—the nights I am not at work, the nights I am free to do whatever I want.”

Constantine walked behind Mateo directing the others to steer the coffin right behind him. My eyes widened as Sylvie, Gertie, and Susan grabbed the handles and wheeled it close by. Constantine was like one of those guys who directed traffic at an airport. Once the coffin was in place, he stepped behind his brother and crossed his arms. When his brow furrowed and he narrowed his eyes, I was almost afraid for Mateo. Well, I would’ve been if he wasn’t being such an ass.

“I would think if you wanted this job, what time we worked wouldn’t matter.”

The audacity . “And I would think as a man of the times you would understand a work-life balance, especially given that my current work is all about your personal life, so I in turn deserve to have mine. There is such a thing as boundaries, Mr. Vauntero.”

Constantine clapped his hands silently behind his brother. Then he stepped to the side and motioned for me to push his brother into the coffin. When I didn’t right away, he kept doing it. Mateo scoffed. “Boundaries? Really? And what am I to do with your so-called boundaries?”

The others all took up their positions on the cart, each of them holding a handle and ready to push the coffin forward. I’d had enough and suddenly felt like this was the best idea ever. With both my hands, I shoved Mateo right in the chest as hard as I could. His arm pinwheeled and he tipped back, falling right into the coffin. Constantine actually gave a half-smirk as they shoved forward. The others took off running, and I gave Mateo a little wave as he lurched forward. His eyes rounded in shock as he fought to climb out, but it was too late and he fell back into place.

I continued waving. “You should respect them.”